Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Total Solar Eclipse: Southern California Gets A Partial Show
A partial solar eclipse.
(
solarseven via Shutterstock
)
People across Southern California were able to get a partial view of the total solar eclipse gracing the sky above North America on Monday.
While people within the narrow track stretching from Texas to Maine got to witness the eclipse in its totality, Southern California was still able to see roughly half the sun blocked out by the intercepting moon.
What to expect
The event was expected to give the appearance of a “Pacman-like chunk taken out of the sun,” says Noah Pietro, a NASA project scientist. “You will notice the light dimming and the light looking very odd in the middle of the day.”
Support for LAist comes from
In the greater L.A. region, NASA says the moon will begin to move into the sun’s path at 10:06 a.m. The partial eclipse by the moon will start at 11 a.m., with the peak being at 11:12 a.m. The event will be completely over by 12:22 p.m.
How to watch safely
Your everyday shades won’t be enough to protect your eyes. Aside from the traditional telescope or set of binoculars, you’ll need a set of eclipse glasses to safely view this celestial event.
“These should have markings on them that say ‘12312-2 certified,’” Pietro said.
People attend the solar eclipse watch party at the California Institute of Technology.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
If you don’t have a pair, there’s other indirect ways to watch, which could call for getting the kids involved.
You can punch a hole through either a piece of paper or index card, turn your back to the sun, and watch the projected image through the hole (do not look directly into it).
Support for LAist comes from
Another way to watch the eclipse unfold is holding a colander over the ground. As the eclipse occurs, little crescent shaped suns will appear on the ground.
A colander can be used to safely view a total solar eclipse.
(
Associated Press
)
Looking ahead to future eclipses
Another one won’t be visible in the United States for another 20 years.
“It can feel a long way, but fortunately on Earth there are eclipses that happen if you’re willing to travel and there are opportunities over the next several years to travel and see these eclipses,” Pietro said.
The next total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and part of Portugal in 2026.
And if you're hoping to experience a total eclipse in L.A. someday there's bad news. According to NASA records, the most recent total eclipse here was in 1724 and another isn't forecast through the year 3000.
Support for LAist comes from
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist